Carol Marie Novak
September 25, 1946 - May 26, 2022

Carol Marie Novak (Davis), formerly of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey and then East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania went to be with the Lord on May 25, 2022 at her home in Calabash, North Carolina.

Carol was generous with words of understanding and always had a way of making you feel loved.  Especially when she flashed you her genuine smile which said it all – it was pure in her exchanges and simplistic in her love – it was unconditional, unwavering and, at times, undeserved. There is no denying that you saw her entire life in all that she had and all that she did. Her home was filled with pictures of her family which she always commented, I’m so blessed for my family, that was Carol! Most importantly, you saw her welcome everyone into her home. She shared her table, her heart, her smile and her warmth. She loved loving! You were welcomed by her hearth and warmed by her fire. She was modest and humble, never judgmental, or unforgiving. She spoke of her life with enthusiasm. It was not always easy this last year and she never misled you to believe that it was but she was grateful for it and would tell you so no matter how rough a road she was traveling. She showed us the importance of enjoying the moment, creating experiences, and honoring family & friends. She taught us to laugh, love and live. Please continue to honor her by loving graciously, living earnestly and forgiving easily.

Carol Marie Novak (Davis) was born on September 25, 1946 to Milton and Clara Davis (Mueller) in Somerville, NJ. She grew up in Martinsville, NJ before graduating from Bridgewater High School in 1964.  She met and married the love of her life, Stanley Joseph Novak on January 2, 1965.   Carol had a strong faith in God, loved to sing as a member in various church choirs, dancing (square dancing and the polka), traveling the world (noting her favorite destination as Tahiti), was the last President of the Whitehouse Station Fire Company Women’s Auxiliary, reading, gardening, shopping and watching a good murder mystery.  She was one of the first to work “remotely” having been employed as a stenographer early in her career so she could stay home and raise her young kids.  Ultimately, she worked as a legal assistant for the Public Defender’s Office of the State of New Jersey from which she retired.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Clara Davis.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Stanley, daughters, Laura Anastasio, Donna Curtis and Michele Novak and beloved dog, Belle.  She was lovingly Mema to 4 grandchildren: Stacie Anastasio (Jessie), Adam Anastasio (Ashley), Zachary Anastasio and Jeremiah Curtis, and a great-Mema to 4 great-grandchildren: Jace, Rylee, Jamie, and Adalynn, sisters Beverly Townley and Jeannie Carle, numerous beloved sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews and more friends than can be counted.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Carol to Brookgreen Gardens, Development Office, PO Box 3368, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 (https://www.brookgreen.org/donate) or, if you are able, a donation of blood and/or platelets in honor of Carol as a thank you for all who did the same for her during her epic battle with AML.

Celebration of life memorial services for Carol will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Faith United Methodist Church, 1160 Clause Dr, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 and a private celebration of life for friends in Calabash on a separate date.


5 Comments

  • Jill D Posted May 27, 2022 12:53 pm

    To Laura and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
    Praying that knowing she is at home with the Lord will bring you comfort during this difficult time. 🙏❤️

  • Mary Morrissey-Ross Posted May 28, 2022 12:38 am

    Dear Stanley, Laura, Donna, Michelle, Jean and Bev and all of Carol’s beloveds,
    I am Jean Davis Carle’s oldest friend. We were friends before we went to kindergarten together. Carol was our idol when we were growing up. She was so nice to us! We played her records ad nauseum, and we danced and danced. She never complained. She was amused and seemed happy that we enjoyed them! What kind of big sister is like that, I ask you? Only Carol. Generous Carol. I think I remember when she first brought Stanley around. It was love all right. Anyone could see that. And, of course, when all the baby girls came along, it was thrilling. Carol was blonde and pretty with a beautiful smile, and we loved it when she was around. This is only to say that I have an idea of what a huge loss this is to each of you and all of you together. Carol was the heart of her family. Just remember, in this life, she poured her heart and soul into each of you. So, her spirit lives on. No doubt, Carol is with God (and her dear parents and Eddie). But, she is here too in our hearts and our memories. My heart goes out to you all in this time of great pain and sorrow. May you feel God’s peace. Oceans of love, Mary Morrissey-Ross

  • Marta Zajac-Ossowska Posted May 29, 2022 5:33 am

    I’m sending my to love to all of you ❤ Carol was one of the calmest person I’ve ever met. Her sweet smile is unforgettable …

  • Dan and Rita Posted May 29, 2022 10:25 am

    We pray the Lord keep Carol close as He carries her with the angels straight up to heaven. And may he bring you a heavenly tranquility in knowing that He has Carol surrounded in perfect, loving and perpetual care.

  • Kathleen Frontz Posted May 31, 2022 3:10 pm

    Dear Stan & Family, I was so sadden to hear about Carol’s passing. She was the sweetest, kindest woman. How lucky you were to share so many years together. This is a big loss for you and I send to you my deepest sympathy and hugs . Kathleen Frontz


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